Device and method for controlling endodontic motor

Abstract

The invention describes a method and a device for controlling an electric motor (9), in particular for moving an endodontic instrument. The device has a first sensor (8) and a control unit (2). The control unit (2) has a drive unit (4), a second sensor (6) and a processing unit (3). The processing unit (3) is configured to cause the endodontic instrument (7) to perform a sequence of movements (M1,M2). The sequence of movements (M1, M2) includes a continuous forward movement (M1) and at least one alternating movement (M2).The sequence may include an additional alternating movement (M3) and and / or reverse movement (M4). The number and order of movements to be performed in a sequence depends on a set of predefined threshold values reflecting the torque load applied to the instrument, as measured by means of a sensor.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to devices and methods for controlling electric motors for moving endodontic instruments. [0002] The invention also relates to an electric motor designed to move endodontic instruments. Background technique [0003] There are commercially available endodontic devices that primarily consist of endodontic instruments (in particular one or more interchangeable endodontic files) designed to drill the tooth is a unidirectional rotation) that drives the associated electric motor of the instrument. [0004] In particular, different types of specialized micromotors are used for endodontic care, all having very similar characteristics, related to the type of file used by the device during operation. The motors used all had file rotation speeds between 100 and 1000 rpm with a maximum torque limit of about 8 N / cm. [0005] In recent years, the use of nickel-titanium instruments for endodontic preparations has become more common....

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0019] Another disadvantage of the known endodontic devices is that greater manual pressure needs to be exerted on the hand piece and thus on the endodontic instrument during the reciprocating movement compared to the pressure exerted during the continuous movement

This increases the risk of endodontic instruments breaking, debris being compressed towards the apex, and dentin defects (microcracks) developing that can damage the tooth and cause loss (extraction)

[0020] Another disadvantage of known endodontic devices is that during the forward movement of the instrument with fixed reciprocating motion the dental material is pushed towards the bottom of the root canal

[0021] Another shortcoming of the prior art is that the benefits of periodic reciprocating motion (also known as torsional drive) for movement of endodontic instruments are not always considered when designing motor controls that respond to measured torques. Effect

[0022] Another shortcoming of the prior art is that while modes of rotation that reduce the load applied to endodontic files are known in the art, no modes are disclosed that allow the cutting force to be reduced or intensified according to the resistance experienced by the instrument

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